Multi-Display Sensor Routing to Avoid Separate Signal Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-display apparatuses face issues with signal quality deterioration and complex reconnection operations due to separate communication lines for sensors, especially when display modules are rearranged or increased in number, leading to reduced reliability and increased complexity.

Innovation Solution

A method for transmitting sensor signals through existing display modules without separate communication lines by using receivers, transmitters, and controllers within each module to route signals sequentially, allowing the control box to identify and select valid sensor signals, eliminating the need for additional hardware or re-timing operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate communication lines are constructed between sensors and control box, then sensor signal transmission is achieved, but device complexity increases and appearance of installation state is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor signal transmissionVSAvoidcommunication line construction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sensor signal transmission function with the existing display module communication infrastructure. Sensors are integrated into display modules, and sensor signals are transmitted through the same communication lines used for display control, eliminating the need for separate sensor communication lines and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication lines in the display modules are designed to serve multiple functions: both display control signal transmission and sensor signal transmission. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to transmit various types of signals through a unified communication channel, reducing the need for dedicated separate lines for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If long transmission lines are used from sensor display module to control box, then sensor coverage is expanded, but signal quality deteriorates due to communication line length

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor coverage areaVSAvoidsignal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the large display system into multiple smaller display modules, each with integrated sensors. This segmentation allows sensors to be positioned throughout the entire display area while maintaining short transmission distances to their respective module controllers, thereby preserving signal quality while achieving comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display module controller acts as an intermediary between the sensor and the main control box. Sensor signals are first transmitted to the local module controller, which then forwards them to the control box. This intermediary approach enables long-range sensor coverage while maintaining signal integrity through localized signal processing and re-timing at each module stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If display modules are rearranged or increased in number, then display flexibility is improved, but reconnection and resetting operations become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay module rearrangementVSAvoidreconnection operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic configuration system where display modules and sensors are assigned unique identifiers and positions are dynamically registered with the control box. When modules are rearranged or added, the system automatically detects and updates the configuration through automated position detection and registration, eliminating the need for manual reconnection and resetting operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-configuration and auto-detection when display modules are rearranged or added. The control box automatically detects new modules, registers their positions, and configures sensor connections without requiring manual intervention, thereby simplifying operations and improving ease of use when the display system is reconfigured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3812882B1Multi-display apparatus with sensors
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3812882B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3812882B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3812882B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a multi-display apparatus including display modules and a sensor. Some of the display modules sequentially connected receive a signal from the sensor, and each of the display modules transmits signals including the signal from the sensor to a display module connected to a rear stage thereof. The display module connected to a final stage transmits the signal from the sensor to a control box. The control box includes a detector configured to detect whether signals from a plurality of transmission lines include a generated flag signal based on the signals including a signal from the sensor and a selector configured to select a transmission line detected as including the flag signal by the detector and set the selected transmission line as a channel for communication with the sensor.